Two drivers were killed in a head-on crash on Highway 49 last Thursday.
The accident, which occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m., occurred near LaBar Meadows Road, four miles south of Grass Valley, California. A southbound 2005 Honda CRV crossed into opposing traffic and collided with a 2004 Jeep Cherokee head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
A California Highway Patrol officer was nearby when the crash occurred, and so authorities were able to respond quickly. Following the crash, both sides of Highway 49 were closed for over an hour while authorities cleared the road.
The driver of the Honda has been identified as 51-year-old Michael Joseph Fitzpatrick, of Nevada City, and the driver of the Jeep was 70-year-old William Alexander Tonis of San Ramon.
California Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, and is examining both vehicles to determine whether mechanical failure was a factor. It is uncertain whether drugs and alcohol were involved.
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